Who Has The Edge?

November 15, 2009|Analysis by Staff Writer Mike Berardino

Dolphins running game vs. Buccaneers run defense

EDGE DOLPHINS

Over their past 10 quarters, the Dolphins have averaged 3.4 yards per carry out of their base offense (Wildcat and PatCat exempted) in sliding to fourth in the league. Left guard Justin Smiley, one of the best pulling guards in the league, is doubtful with a shoulder injury. Second-year man Nate Garner figures to start if Smiley can't go against the league's 30(+t)(+h)-ranked rushing defense. Only the Browns and Bills have been worse.

Dolphins passing game vs. Buccaneers pass defense

EDGE BUCCANEERS

Even with the bigger arm of Chad Henne, the Dolphins have slipped to 29(+t)(+h) in the league in passing. Henne has been sacked nine times the past three weeks and was hit hard several times at New England. The Bucs sacked Aaron Rodgers six times in last week's 38-28 win over Green Bay but DE Stylez G. White (18 pressures) is doubtful with a shoulder problem. Bucs corner Aqib Talib (hamstring/probable) was limited in practice this week.

Buccaneers running game vs. Dolphins run defense

EDGE DOLPHINS

Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, former Auburn teammate of Ronnie Brown, is averaging 4.0 yards after coming back from his second major knee surgery. The Dolphins should have nose tackle Jason Ferguson back in the lineup after he sat out the Patriots game with an injury to his left elbow. Channing Crowder, who missed the past two games with a shoulder injury, should be back as well for the league's fifth-ranked run defense.

Buccaneers passing game vs. Dolphins pass defensem

EDGE BUCCANEERS

After being riddled by a succession of Pro Bowl quarterbacks, the Dolphins get a chance to capitalize against rookie Josh Freeman, the 17(+t)(+h) overall pick in April. Freeman, however, is mobile and threw three touchdown passes against the Packers to become the second-youngest quarterback to win his starting debut since 1970. TE Kellen Winslow, the ex-UM star, is another tough matchup for a secondary ranked 28(+t)(+h) against the pass.

Dolphins special teams vs. Buccaneers special teams

EDGE BUCCANEERS

Core special-teamer Erik Walden (hamstring) is doubtful. He wouldn't be easy to replace against a Rich Bisaccia-coached group that is regularly ranked among the NFL's best. Tampa's Clifton Smith (knee/probable) is No. 3 in kickoff returns this year, while Dolphins' Ted Ginn Jr. is first. Bucs are first in kickoff returns and kickoff coverage. Dolphins are 20(+t)(+h) covering punts, 14(+t)(+h) against kickoffs.

Intangibles

EDGE DOLPHINS

Rookie coach Raheem Morris is coming off his first victory after opening with seven consecutive losses. The Bucs were featured this week (over five pages) in Sports Illustrated for their brash rebuilding project. None of that matters against a Dolphins team coming off a disappointing division loss at New England and facing a quick turnaround to Thursday night's trip to Carolina. Dolphins are 2-2 at home, but the losses were to Indianapolis and New Orleans.